Where to Start Learning Polish for the B1 Exam?

If you have no prior knowledge of Polish and are aiming to pass the B1 exam, finding the right starting point can be overwhelming. I hope this blog serves as a helpful guide to get you on the right track. The approach I took may not work for everyone, but it proved effective for me, and I hope it can inspire and assist you as well.

Step 1: Duolingo – Build a Daily Habit

Why Start with Duolingo?

One of the biggest challenges in self-study is procrastination. Without a structured plan, it’s easy to lose motivation. That’s where Duolingo comes in. It provides a gamified experience that encourages you to practice daily, keeping you accountable through streaks and reminders.

Disclaimer: This blog is in no way sponsored or affiliated with Duolingo; this is purely based on my personal experience.

How to Use Duolingo Effectively?

1. Download and Start Immediately: Install the app and get started right away. No excuses!
2. Set a Daily Goal: Aim for at least an hour of practice per day. If an hour seems too much, commit to at least 15-30 minutes consistently.
3. Use the Free Version: The paid version (Duolingo Super) removes the five-heart limit, but I actually recommend sticking with the free version. The heart system forces you to be more cautious before answering questions, helping reinforce learning.
4. Replace Unproductive Habits: Instead of scrolling endlessly on Instagram or TikTok, spend that time completing Polish lessons on Duolingo. Making this a daily habit will significantly boost your progress.
5. Keep the Streak Alive: The streak feature is a powerful motivator. Even if you can only squeeze in 5-10 minutes on some days, maintaining consistency will help you stay engaged with the language.

Starting from Zero? Begin with the Basics

If you’re an absolute beginner, don’t stress. Start with:

• Polish Alphabets: Fortunately, Polish uses Latin alphabets with a few extra characters (ą, ć, ę, ł, ń, ó, ś, ź, ż). You’ll get used to them quickly.
• Basic Phrases and Greetings: Learn common expressions like Cześć (Hi), Dzień dobry (Good day), Dziękuję (Thank you), and Tak/Nie (Yes/No).
• Simple Vocabulary: Focus on everyday words, such as numbers, colors, and common objects.

What’s Next?

Duolingo is a great starting point, but it alone won’t get you to B1 level. In the next part of this guide, I will discuss additional methods to strengthen your Polish skills, including grammar practice, vocabulary building, and real-world immersion techniques.

Stay tuned and keep learning!